[Copied direct from Imparja website]
I suggest that those who feel strongly (like me) make personal represenations to their MP protesting the woeful state of broadcasting rules in Australia. It will soon be easier to watch TV from overseas via internet, than to watch Australian TV in Australia!).
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7. RECEPTION OF IMPARJA FROM LOCATIONS OUTSIDE OUR LICENCE AREA WILL NO LONGER BE PROVIDED (updated 29 Sep 08)
Imparja Television is one of the two licensed commercial TV services covering remote Central and Eastern Australia TV1. Under the Broadcast Services Act Imparja is not permitted to provide a broadcast service outside its licence area, except with certain limited exceptions.
This includes both the ACMA managed “out of area” schemes and travellers who are normally resident outside our licence area but who may be visiting the remote areas for a time.
Under the Broadcast Services Act there is no compulsion on Imparja to provide such out of area access to our signal. Increasingly we are finding that applications for direct satellite access are coming from viewers outside our licence area and are placing an un-sustainable commercial and operational burden on us. It is also becoming increasingly obvious that the out of area schemes are being used as a means to circumvent the legal restrictions on our broadcast reception area.
Following an internal review therefore Imparja Television has decided to withdraw from the processes by which viewers whose place of residence is located outside our licence area have been able to gain access to our broadcast services. This includes travellers and those who do not receive adequate reception from their local TV channels.
We will only be activating smartcards from applicants whose residence is located within our licence area.
If your main residence or the location of the satellite receiver (eg a fixed holiday home) is outside our licence area, regretfully we will decline to provide you with access to Imparja. This includes new applications in black spots.
If you believe your residence is within Remote Central and Eastern TV1 you may apply by letter, fax or email, providing supporting evidence (eg a map location or address details).
Further information on broadcast legislation and the restrictions and processes by which broadcasters are allowed to provide out of area reception are available on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (acma.gov.au or 1800 226 667). The website also provides access to detailed maps of our licence area.
We are sure you will understand that Imparja will not be providing any telephone or email responses to this situation and that any comments or questions you may have should be directed to the relevant broadcasting authorities, or your local commercial TV broadcaster.
